KAREN A. MOOLA
Summary
Dynamic planner with experience in policy and development planning. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for reliability, adaptability, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Planner
City of Coquitlam
01.2022 - Current
- Implementing the Housing Affordability Strategy through policy and program development and implementation.
- Managing affordable housing development referrals.
- Leading policy development e.g. Housing Unit Mix policy, Official Community Plan update, Heritage Management Strategy.
- Supporting the establishment of a new development finance framework and an updated rental incentives program.
Principal
K.A.M. Consulting
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Worked on strategic planning, placemaking, governance and engagement projects including:
- Salt Spring Island Sustainable Economic Development - Engagement Program;
- Squamish Arts Council Strategic Planning and Engagement;
- Salt Spring Arts Council Arts and Cultural Facilities Framework Project;
- Township of Esquimalt Art in Public Spaces Master Plan;
- Princeton Housing Needs Report;
- Cypress Lands Policy Framework / Area Development Plan; and
- Cypress Village Development.
Consulting Advisor, Communications Lead, Director
Education without Borders
2016 - 01.2021
- Provided communications services to support EwB initiatives.
- Led diverse communications and marketing efforts focused on fundraising and outreach, and developed and oversaw educational programming and fundraising efforts.
Outreach/Education Volunteer, Partnership Director
Ballet BC and Ballet BC Up
2014 - 01.2015
- Undertook community outreach and education activities for Ballet BC.
- Worked independently and as a team to advance Ballet BC Up through marketing, communications, partnership development, and community outreach.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
Principal
K.A.M. Consulting
01.2014 - 01.2014
- Worked on an engagement project to support rezoning for a mixed-use development:
- Grosvenor Edgemont Project for Grosvenor Americas.
Edgemont Village Planning Working Group Member
District of North Vancouver
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Supported staff and consultants with the development of policies and design guidelines, resulting in the Edgemont Village Centre Plan and Design Guidelines.
Community Services Advisory Committee Member
District of North Vancouver
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Reviewed and assessed grant applications submitted by not-for-profit organizations offering services on the North Shore, and made funding recommendations to Council.
Communications Committee Member and Chair
PIBC
2007 - 01.2011
- Led the PIBC Communications Committee to oversee and administer communications activities including publications, website, outreach, media relations and other communications initiatives.
- Worked with PIBC staff and a consultant team to prepare a communications and branding strategy for PIBC and redevelop the PIBC website.
- Facilitated open communication among committee members, fostering an environment of trust and mutual respect.
Senior Managing Associate
Stantec Consulting Ltd.
2005 - 01.2009
- Managed the Vancouver Planning & Landscape Architecture practice area with responsibilities including strategic planning, budget management and business development.
- Worked on policy and regulation projects, land use and feasibility studies, engagement projects and development planning in Western Canada.
- Promoted from Senior Planner to Managing Associate and Senior Managing Associate positions.
Senior Planner
Kendig Keast Collaborative
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Worked on strategic planning projects including Comprehensive Plans and Park Master Plans.
- Undertook analysis (demographic analysis, population forecasting, residential analysis, retail analysis), engagement and business development.
Senior Research Consultant
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Developed partnerships in the Ontario Region to support information transfer to key clients - focusing primarily on planning and sustainability.
- Managed key initiatives including the “Strategies for Building Community Acceptance” workshop initiative that was trialed in Ontario and rolled out nationally.
- Managed planning research projects, participated on research review committees and delivered presentations at international, national and local events.
Municipal Planning Advisor
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Analyzed and issued comments and decisions for Official Plans and Official Plan amendments and subdivision applications in Eastern Ontario.
- Assisted municipalities with Official Plan programs and led partner provincial agencies during the Official Plan process.
- Promoted and advised on MMAH policy, special program initiatives and a range of planning issues (e.g. affordable housing, Smart Growth, brownfields).
- Provided support to the Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat regarding First Nations land claims, undertook planning research, and prepared briefing materials and reports.
- Promoted from Assistant Municipal Planning Advisor to Municipal Planning Advisor
Real Estate Advisor
Real Property Services, Public Works and Government Services Canada
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Provided project management and strategic and advisory services to benefit the Real Property Stewardship Project rationalization initiative (e.g. researched and developed the national Divestiture Strategy, created a Performance Management Framework, developed an Action Plan for long-term project management).
- Developed departmental communiqués, briefing material, and real property policy circulars.
Planning Analyst (intern)
Central Area Planning Department, City of Vancouver
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Researched public realm planning and design in the context of Downtown South and conducted survey work to examine public space access, use and perception among local users.
- Completed a research report on livability and public realm planning and design in Yaletown.
- Participated in a departmental working group exploring public realm policy for the City of Vancouver.
Research Assistant
Metropole Consultants
01.1999 - 01.1999
- Assisted with the final research and production of a CMHC report on information technology and residential development.
- Conducted research on the global economy and the role of competition in cities, and green economy planning initiatives. Research supported a City of Toronto strategy and report.
Education
Master of Science -
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BCBachelor of Environmental Studies -
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, ONSimon Fraser University
Burnaby, BCSkills
- Strategic and development planning
- Housing policy and planning
- Project management
- Research and analysis
- Communication and engagement
Community Service
Director, North Van Arts (2021 - Present)
Chair, Governance and Strategic Planning Sub-Committee, North Van Arts (2024 - Present)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Professional Working
Timeline
Community Planner
City of Coquitlam
01.2022 - Current
Principal
K.A.M. Consulting
01.2017 - 01.2023
Principal
K.A.M. Consulting
01.2014 - 01.2014
Edgemont Village Planning Working Group Member
District of North Vancouver
01.2013 - 01.2014
Community Services Advisory Committee Member
District of North Vancouver
01.2012 - 01.2014
Senior Planner
Kendig Keast Collaborative
01.2004 - 01.2005
Senior Research Consultant
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
01.2002 - 01.2004
Municipal Planning Advisor
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
01.2001 - 01.2002
Real Estate Advisor
Real Property Services, Public Works and Government Services Canada
01.2000 - 01.2001
Planning Analyst (intern)
Central Area Planning Department, City of Vancouver
01.1999 - 01.2000
Research Assistant
Metropole Consultants
01.1999 - 01.1999
Consulting Advisor, Communications Lead, Director
Education without Borders
2016 - 01.2021
Outreach/Education Volunteer, Partnership Director
Ballet BC and Ballet BC Up
2014 - 01.2015
Communications Committee Member and Chair
PIBC
2007 - 01.2011
Senior Managing Associate
Stantec Consulting Ltd.
2005 - 01.2009
Master of Science -
University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Environmental Studies -
University of Waterloo
Simon Fraser University
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